Intestinal macrophages and dendritic cells: what's the difference?

Trends Immunol. 2014 Jun;35(6):270-7. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2014.04.003. Epub 2014 Apr 30.

Abstract

Mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) in the murine intestine, comprising dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (Mϕs), perform disparate yet complementary immunological functions. Functional analyses of these distinct MP subsets have been complicated by the substantial overlap in their surface phenotypes. Here, we review recent findings that have enabled more accurate definition of these MP subsets. We discuss these recent advances in the context of the current understanding of the functions of DCs and Mϕs in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, and how their functions may alter when homeostasis is disrupted.

Keywords: dendritic cells; intestine; macrophages; mouse.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / metabolism
  • Inflammation / microbiology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / immunology
  • Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism
  • Intestinal Mucosa / microbiology
  • Intestines / immunology*
  • Intestines / microbiology
  • Macrophages / immunology*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Phagocytes / immunology
  • Phagocytes / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / cytology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism